Overview

208 GTB

1980

By no means new to the production of smaller displacement, high output, multi-fractioned engines; on the heels of the 1975 208 GT4 Ferrari introduced the smallest displacement version of the 308 GTB – the 208 GTB and GTS – in 1980. The bodywork was identical to that of its berlinetta and targa sisters, while the new version of the sophisticated 90° V8 came in at just under 2,000 cc.

Focus on

With the cessation of production of the 208 GT4 model in 1980, the 2 litre engine was dropped into the 2 seat body of the 308 GTB to bring about the 208 GTB Italian market model. Apart from its motive power, it was virtually identical to its larger engine capacity 308 GTB sister, although the gear ratios were altered to suit the characteristics of the smaller engine.

The Body

The Pininfarina designed body had a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular egg-crate aluminium radiator grille below a slim full width satin black front bumper. A square section indent line ran along each body side between the front and rear bumpers, which was finished in satin black whatever the main body colour.

The doors featured scalloped intakes to the engine bay, the right one feeding the carburettor filter box, and the left one the oil cooler. At the rear there were twin circular light assemblies on the vertical recessed tail panel. A single piece lid hinged at the roof covered the engine bay and rear sited boot, whilst the vertical concave rear screen was bounded by buttressed sail panels. Options available were wider 7.5” rims, air conditioning, a radio, a deeper front spoiler, plus Michelin TRX or Pirelli P Zero tyres on special rims.

As with the exterior the interior was virtually identical to the larger capacity 308 GTB model, featuring a pair of leather trimmed bucket seats, whilst the main instruments were contained in a hooded nacelle in front of the driver, who was provided with a three spoke leather rimmed steering wheel. The clock and oil temperature gauge were mounted in a separate panel on the lower left edge of the dashboard. The gear lever in an open gate was mounted in the driver’s side of the centre console, which also contained ancillary switchgear, the handbrake and an ashtray.

All models were numbered in the Ferrari odd number road car chassis sequence, with only left hand drive available. Production ran from 1980 through to 1982, during which time 160 examples were produced in the chassis number range 31219 to 41329.

The transversely mid-mounted aluminium V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 GTB model. It was of a 90 degree configuration, with belt driven twin overhead camshafts per bank, having a total capacity of 1991cc, with a bore and stroke of 66.8mm x 71mm, bearing factory type reference F 106 CB 000.

The engine was coupled in unit with the all synchromesh five speed transmission assembly, which was below, and to the rear of the engine’s sump. It was fitted with a bank of four twin choke Weber 34 DCNF carburettors, mounted in the centre of the vee, and had a claimed power output of 155bhp at 6800rpm.